Austin Bus System Overhaul Goes Into Effect Today

"Capital Metro on Sunday will put in place a massive overhaul of the area’s bus system that’s meant to reverse a four-year decline in ridership," reports Ben Wear.

"The new bus route map will emphasize frequent service on more key routes, but the changes also will mean some riders will have to walk farther to reach bus stops," explains Wear.

Although 15 routes will be eliminated from the previous system map, 13 out of that total will have new routes within a half-mile of the previous route—some with more frequent headways. In addition, the system will now boast 14 frequent routes, with a maximum of 15-minute headways, seven days a week.

Another article by Amy Dennery reports on a new microtransit service meant to fill the first-last mile gap on some the affected routes. The Exposition Innovation zone, as it's called, is the result of a partnership between Capital Metro and RideAustin.

According to Denney, "riders who live or work in the area that is losing service can request rides to or from their homes or businesses and be transported for free to one of two Capital Metro bus stops. The new pilot program will not offer door-to-door service…"